ˌfȯ(r)d.əfə̇ˈkāshən, -)təf- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English fortificacioun, from Middle French fortification, from Late Latin fortification-, fortificatio, from fortificatus (past participle of fortificare ) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion
1. : an act or process of fortifying: as
a. : a strengthening by corroboration (as of a statement) or by reinforcement (as of a structure)
b. : the act of furnishing (as a military post) with defensive works ; also : the art or science of fortifying places or positions
c. : increase in the content of an ingredient (as alcohol in wine or vitamins in flour) by addition : enrichment
2. : something that fortifies, defends, or strengthens ; especially : works erected to defend a place or position